A new study from the National Academy of Sciences outlines grim possibilities on Earth for a worst-case scenario solar storm.

Damage to power grids and other communications systems could be catastrophic, the scientists conclude, with effects leading to a potential loss of governmental control of the situation.

The prediction is based in part on amajor solar storm in 1859 that caused telegraph wires to short out in the United States and Europe, igniting widespread fires.

One of 4 illustrations on Solar Storms published last month in an Italian Science Magazine.